NATO Defense Ministers have started a new round of talks with our country on closer collaboration and strengthening security in the Black Sea region.

NATO officials report the talks have the purpose at boosting democracy and rule of law in Ukraine, a prerequisite if the country of 48 million is to join the military alliance.

Talks about Ukraine joining the military alliance angers Russia, but NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer noted on Thursday that every country has its own right to choose its system of security.

In a speech before the meeting, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves announced that NATO's relationship with Ukraine is crucial to the security of the Black Sea and Balkan regions.